Legendary Hip-Hop artist and record executive Birdman – real name Bryan Christopher Brooks – shed some light on the role of record executives in keeping the genre “alive”. His comments arrive amidst the world inching closer to 50 Years in Hip-Hop this year.
In the lead-up to August 11th 2023, numerous record labels, pressrooms and organisations across the globe are honouring and remembering some of the most influential rap artists of our times. Birdman noted that besides artists, record executives must be recognised for their historic efforts to push the genre forward too.
“Im confused about 50yrs of hip hop where they salute legendary artists which is well respeked also I think CEOs who kept these artists alive to be great showed them how to keep hip hop alive should be saluted in a major way I remember wen they said hip hop was dead and we Kept it alive YMCMB 20plus summers respek our hussle CEO s kept hip hop alive frfr” Birdman said.
The iconic Hip-Hop entrepreneur is behind the Cash Money record label and built YMCMB or ‘Young Money Cash Money Billionaires’ with Lil Wayne’s YM through an exclusive joint venture. However, Birdman and Weezy’s relationship took a backseat after the latter was reportedly “cheated out of millions of dollars” in record agreements and creative stifling. In fact, Lil Wayne’s twelfth LP ‘Tha Carter V’ was pushed for as long as four years amidst the feud between Birdman and himself.
Nevertheless, Birdman has left an everlasting impact on Hip-Hop and turned rap into one of the hottest genres today. Besides Cash Money, Birdman founded the iconic Hip-Hop consortium ‘Rich Gang’ alongside YSL bossman Young Thug and Rich Homie Quan.
Take a minute to honour Birdman’s unmatched rap legacy by listening to his debut collaborative effort with Lil Wayne ‘Like Father Like Son’ LP.
